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Abirthdayis an occasion to celebrate; its the day you were born, after all!
And what better way to commemorate it than with a special dinner?
In fact, 31% of Americansgo out to eatfor their birthday almost every year.
And 49% say they do so some years.
This guys girlfriend took it upon herself to organize him abirthday dinner.
However, it soon became apparent that the celebration was less about him and more about her.
They thrive when the spotlight is on them and enjoy all kinds of praise thrown in their direction.
But when does that need for attention become inappropriate and borders on being tooself-absorbed?
The line can be particularly thin in relationships.
Some people often feel underappreciated and unseen by their partners.
But relationships are supposed to be about lifting each other up.
As relationship etiquette expert Mara Oppermantold Bustle, relationships are about we, not I.
Relationships should be about being together, she explained.
Thinking theyre always right and never apologizing is a sign of a self-centered partner.
Being happy for your partner and celebrating occasions like their birthday is important as well.
A partners happiness should be a priority.
There should be a balance and mutuality.
That means, each of you cares both about yourselves and about each other.
The girlfriend in this story, however, failed to do both.
She also ignored his feelings about the birthday dinner fiasco and complained he did not appreciate her effort.
Thats a lot of Me, me, me!
Giving and receiving are important for both people in the relationship.
If you are always taking and not giving back, this is a sign of selfishness, Opperman explained.
Altruistic people report having happier marriages
Some people say that were living in an era of selfishness.
Its all about me time, self-love, and getting rid of toxic people in our lives.
Butrelationshipsare about celebrating your partner, not just reveling in your own victories.
When we love someone, were more likely to do things for them and not expect something in return.
Of course, like with everything else in life, there should be balance.
We shouldnt give up our wishes and values entirely for our partner to be happy.
A healthy dose of selfishness helps us preserve our dignity and can help us spot toxic relationship patterns.
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